Starks’ return shows how desperate Tomlin is now

October 9, 2011

PITTSBURGH - Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has done his best to minimize the team's offensive line problem, but actions speak louder than words.

The fact that Max Starks may start at tackle in today's home game against Tennessee speaks to the desperation the Steelers feel.

Starks, who has had two practices since he was injured last November, appears to be a better option than anyone else currently available for the spot.

The Steelers had no real interest in bringing back Starks, but what choice did they have?

The song is over

Never mind how it happened, just be thankful that Hank Williams Jr.'s tired act is gone from Monday Night Football.

Williams talked his way out of a nice easy job and the only national exposure his music has gotten in a while.

Bob Jinkerson, this column's country musicologist, reports it's been more than 20 years since Williams had a hit.

The visibility of MNF was the only thing preventing him from setting up shop in Oblivion, which is the stop right after Branson, Mo.

Tone it down

Craig Wolfley has plenty to offer as a football analyst, which makes it unfortunate he's chosen to adopt a Hulk Hogan-style delivery.

Wolfley works on the Steelers radio network and has also been assisting on Root Sports' weekly high school game.

He and the audience would be better served if he would just make the point without the hokey theatrics.

Wrong words

Who's the more guilty party here: Nyjer Morgan for double dropping a heavy-duty obscenity after the Milwaukee Brewers won their divisional series, or TBS for having a live microphone anywhere near a loose cannon?

And why didn't the TBS reporter apologize for the gaffe instead of giggling at it?

If you're taking live cameras and microphones into a potentially volatile environment, switch to a delay system so censoring capability exists.